Research your
ailment or illness before you see a doctor.
Take note of your ailments before you go to the doctor.
Are you having headaches? Earaches? Insomnia? Bloating? Joint aches? Depression? Make a
list and how frequently the pain is occurring. Note whether the symptoms are related to
what you are eating and how frequently they appear. Research on the internet or in the
library about these symptoms and the combinations of symptoms you are having. Leave no
stones unturned. Ask around for a
recommendation of a good doctor.
Ask the person referring you what good and bad experiences they
have had and what you can expect from working with that doctor.
Check
your doctor's credentials.
The American Medical Association can give you some important information. Find out if your
doctor is licensed to practice medicine in your state. 312-464-5199 or you can write to:
515 North State Street, Chicago IL, 06010
* Your public library may also have in
their reference section a list of medical doctors and where they went to school, how long
they have been licensed. They also have a list called “Questionable Doctors”
from Public Citizen Health Research Group (Qd2, 2000 P Street NW, No 700, Washington DC
20036). It lists doctors who have been disciplined by state or federal agencies for
malpractice or misconduct. It is revised annually.
Get
acquainted with your doctor and staff.
Call to set an appointment with your doctor. Notice how
long you are put on hold if at all, how far in advance it takes to schedule an appointment
with your doctor. (Will you have instant accessibility to appointments in the future or
will you wait on a waiting list for weeks?) What are the doctor’s office hours, days
of operation? Does the doctor makes house calls?
Create a
list of symptoms for the doctor.
When you actually speak with a doctor, give him all the details. Don’t forget to tell
the doctor is you are taking existing prescriptions. Don’t forget to tell the doctor
of your alcohol or illegal drug habits. The Doctor will keep your information confidential
but needs to know if anything they are about to recommend will conflict with your existing
intake habits.
Bring all
your medications with you.
It is difficult to remember names of stuff you are taking. Leave nothing to chance. If the
doctor is going to recommend something to you, you want to know up front what side effects
might occur as a result of combining medications.
Ask your
doctor questions.
Ask questions that you uncovered during your research. Ask if you are unsure of a side
effect, or how long you are supposed to take medication. Ask the doctor what the expected
result of a test or prescription should be so you will know if the recommendation is
working.
Ask for clarification.
Doctors sometimes talk in doctor’s terms and might say
something you don’t understand. Don’t be intimidated by their degrees. Ask them
in simple terms what that means to you.
Bring a
friend or family member with you to your appointment.
You may want your spouse, parent or good friend with you as a back up at your appointment.
Often when you’re at the doctors you might forget to ask something, or you may have
forgotten a symptom your friend remembers you complaining of. If they are there with you,
they can also drive you home if you are under medication.
Marti Ann Schwartz
© 2005, Read more about Marti and her money
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